Light a Candle

Time to Give back, it is the holiday season and there are so many in this country that aren't going to have much joy. If we all join together and Light A Candle--- we can make a difference.

There are many great charities and places you can give as well as volunteer. We humbly make a few of our favorite suggestions for places to make a difference, to give:

Discovering Options: A local St. Louis organization that works with at risk youth. "Many students in St. Louis Public Schools live with multiple risk factors that are predictors for drug abuse: poverty, family conflict, a lack of commitment to school, behavior problems, and neighborhoods where drugs are easily accessible. These all make a child more likely to use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Discovering Options provides at-risk students with supportive and life-enriching programs to prevent drug abuse. The effectiveness of our programs has been verified by research studies. These programs facilitate positive change in the lives of students we serve. St. Louis Public elementary and middle schools partner with Discovering Options to provide our services to their students. If you have a child in a St. Louis Public elementary or middle school, ask the principal if they have become a Discovering Options PREP school.The curriculums we use are proven to work. Our staff is professional, experienced and dedicated. Our mentors are committed and receive individualized support and training. Everyone at Discovering Options, both employees and volunteers, is focused on helping our students discover options for making positive decisions about their lives. " www.discoveringoptions.org. They are sponsoring a FABULOUS house tour this weekend to benefit the charity, tickets are still available through MetroTix or by calling Discovering Options at 314-721-8116. Have fun on the house tour and know that 100% of the proceeds go to this program that benefits local kids.

Kathy J. Weinman Shelter for Battered Women and their Children P.O. Box 5852 St. Louis MO 63134 Business #: 314-423-1117 Hotline/Crisis: 314-423-1117 : Unfortunately domestic violence increases during the holiday season and women and children are impacted the most.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank: The St. Louis Area Foodbank has a service territory that encompasses 14 counties (including St. Louis City) in eastern Missouri and 12 counties in southwestern Illinois. Our mission to feed hungry people includes people in all 26 of those counties. www.stlfoodbank.org.

Light a Candle------------- there is always someone that needs your help, and every little bit helps. Call or email one of our suggestions for giving, or contribute to your favorite charity. Be a blessing to someone today.